Neither Shaken nor Stirred in 2001.
31st January: UK Super Pro ET racers Roger and Dave Moore have announced that they will be sitting out 2001, but will be returning in 2002. Their eight-second "Shaken Not Stirred" Triumph Herald is a fan favourite for its spectacular wheelies and occasional but apocalyptic Nitrous burps.

"Dave and I had a great year last season", said Roger. "Big wheelies, bigger nitrous explosions and a new best for the car of 8.27/163. I will be making some changes on the car this summer, hoping to come back and run in the sevens in 2002."

Roger also has a couple of messages for his fellow racers. "I would like to say hello to all the racers in Super Pro, and to say well done to Steve Green for winning the 2000 Championship. It's been a long time coming, but no one deserves it more."

Web site updates.
31st January: Barry Sheavills' web site at www.topfuel.co.uk has been updated with the first instalment of a new Photo Gallery. This first part features a large number of shots of Barry at the track from 1997 to 2000. The second instalment, due in a couple of weeks, will feature pictures from Barry's personal collection including his encounters with Jordan and other young ladies of pulchritude.

Super Series Fuel and Methanol fears.
30th January: The presence of Fuel and Top Methanol classes at Shakespeare County Raceway this season is in doubt due to a lack of sponsorship. "We currently have no financial commitments from sponsors", says Terry Gibbs of Super Series organisers Obsession Motorsports. Two of the Super Series' major sponsors, Ford and Panasonic, pulled out at the end of the 2000 season. "2001 could be very low-key", says Terry.

The MSA British Top Methanol Championship rounds and Fuel match racing have become regular and highly popular fixtures at Shakespeare County Raceway in the last few years. Terry tells us that the funding problems could have a cascade effect, placing this year's MSA British Top Methanol Championship as a whole in jeopardy.

Other classes involved in the Super Series have a more certain future. "The format of the meetings and classes which will be running is still to be finalised, but the events will still maintain their usual high level of entertainment from the Sportsman ranks, and there will be no cutbacks in track preparation and other services". says Terry. "

Any person, group or company interested in helping to support the Super Series can speak to Terry Gibbs on 01483 236262 or E-Mail superseries@eurodragster.com, "Every little bit will help to keep it going", says Terry.

PT Bruiser: more work, Mopar date.
30th January: Having starred at Autosport International and the Brentwood International Racing Car Show, Paul Marston Racing's Chrysler-backed PT Bruiser has gone back to Hauser Race Cars for finishing touches whilst the team finish work on infrastructure and prepare for testing.

"A very small list of parts were late - just quick charge battery connections, reaction delay timer, some brightwork, and systems remained to be snagged", says Paul Marston. "There are so many aspects to consider and cover, we have simply not stopped this year. We now have a coachbuilt race car transporter, very similar to Stan and Paula Atkin's for their Rapid Fit-backed Ford, a transporter we feel will suit our needs. With all our commitments throughout the forthcoming season at the track and elsewhere, this type of transportation is where we need to be. I am very aware that as ambassadors of our sport we need to create the right image at the track for sponsors and when at non-race events, this kit will help us achieve that."

There is plenty of work yet to do. "Although our transporter is ready to transport the Bruiser, it still needs to be fitted out with all the tools and equipment which a race team requires to function at the track", says Paul. "We have been taking advice from several sources covering everything, from practical décor, to good fuel storage practices, through to central heating! It should all be finished just in time for our testing programme to commence - we plan to have main testing done by the end of February."

In parallel with the work on the transporter, Paul has been in negotiation to bring more sponsors to the team. "We have yet to investigate the available options fully, but rest assured that as soon as we have concluded we will make an announcement", says Paul.

Paul Marston Racing is also pleased to announce that the PT Bruiser has been booked in to make demonstration passes at the Mopar Muscle Association's Mopar Euro Nats at Shakespeare County Raceway on 28th-29th July. "The Bruiser is an example of the cars which Chrysler build today", says Paul. "The Mopar Muscle Association do such a good job of keeping Chrysler's heritage alive, something for which we are all grateful and for which we should be proud. Their event has become huge over the last couple of years due in no small way to their hard work, and it is recognised and respected all over the world. With Chrysler having such a rich Drag Racing heritage, and two days of hot drag strip action, how could we afford to miss the party?".

Jade Racing renew Activ8 deal.
30th January: UK Supertwin Top Gas team Jade Racing have announced a renewal of their sponsorship deal with oil additive manufacturer Activ8. Jade's Jerry Collier and Rick Davis came first and second in the 2000 National Association of Supertwins Top Gas Championship, and the efficacy of Activ8 products is further proven by the five world records set by the team. "Activ8 is suitable for all types of vehicle, four-stroke or two-stroke, race vehicles and normal road going vehicles, and is available from Simplan Limited who can be contacted through their web site at www.activ8.uk.com", says Jade Racing's Ozzy Ewing.

"Jade Racing have always had a reputation for setting track records and the challenge for 2001 is for both bikes to run even quicker", says Ozzy. "Who knows if it will be Rick or Jerry who sets that new track record, but the one certainty is that it will be a Jade Racing Bike."

You can stay in touch with the latest news from the Jade Racing camp on their web site at www.jaderacing.com.

Team changes at Nemesis.
28th January: The UK's Nemesis Top Methanol Dragster team have announced changes in personnel as they prepare another assault on the FIA European and MSA British Top Methanol Championships.

Team co-owner and Crew Chief Barry Redstone is sitting out 2001 as he concentrates on his new business, so crew member Andy Bissett has stepped up to take on the Crew Chief role. "It's a shame that we'll have to do without Barry this season, but naturally I'm excited about the opportunity to do something I've wanted to do for many years", says Andy. "Hopefully Team Nemesis can pull together and get some more trophies in the cabinet in 2001."

The team also has a new Marketing Manager in the shape of John Andrews, whose company Motorgraphic designs and produces race programmes and other promotional material for the Super Series at Shakespeare County Raceway. We don't know if John knows about this, but we understand that the team may persuade him to wield a spanner on occasion.

Driver and tuner Dave Wilson, clutch and transmission crewman David Wilson, and 'team Mum' Linda Wilson continue in their present roles, and the team is looking for additional crew members. If you are interested in working on one of Europe's premier Top Methanol teams then you can find full details on the News page of the Nemesis web site at www.eurodragster.com/nemesisracing.

As well as the appeal for more crew, the Nemesis web site has been updated with the rest of the latest news from the team, a 2001 race schedule, updated (and, as is traditional on the Nemesis site, highly amusing) crew biographies, and items for sale.

Gardermoen FIA/FIM date moved back.
28th January: The third round of this year's FIA and FIM Championships, Norsk Drag Racing Gardermoen's Drag Challenge, originally scheduled for 10th-12th August, has been moved back to its traditional position of one week after the Drag Festival at Mantorp Park. The race is now scheduled at Gardermoen for 3rd-5th August. Racers who traditionally stayed in Scandinavia for the two weekends will be relieved at the news since they were facing an expensive fortnight travelling out and back again twice, but the re-arranged date now clashes with the SHRA's Drag Nats at Tullinge, Stockholm, which is a Swedish Top Fuel Tour date.

Banana rivals sought.
28th January: Richard Bell, webmaster of UK Super Street Team Top Banana's site, has written to ask for help from fellow racer teams. Richard is compiling a "Rivals" page for the site and would like fellow Super Street and Pro ET racers to write with details. If you'd like to be listed as one of Top Banana's rivals then E-Mail Richard at info@topbanana.home-page.org with your team name, driver name, race number and a description of your vehicle, and he will do the rest.

Web site updates.
26th January: Hallo Dragsterfreunde, der Terminkalender der Deutschen Super Street Bikes ist geschrieben. Unter www.dragbike.de (Termin-Button) sind die Punkte-Renn-Termine zu erfahren.

The Cleber Turbo Team Berlin web site at www.dragbike.de has been updated with this year's German Super Street Bike Championship dates - click on the Termine button.

RWYB season starts Sunday.
26th January: Santa Pod Raceway is holding the first of this season's Run What You Brungs this Sunday (28th January). Entry to the track is £8; a further £10 and the production of a valid DVLC driving licence (Competition licences are not valid for RWYBs) will get you as many passes down the track as you can fit in. Gates are open at 8:00 am and the strip is usually open by 10:00 am. For more details call Santa Pod on 08700 782828.

Turbo stars on Stripbike.com.
26th January: UK Supertwin Gas racer, photographer and journalist Ian Turburville (aka Turbo) is the subject of an interesting and wide-ranging interview currently showing on US web site Stripbike.com. Check it out at www.stripbike.com.

Web site updates.
26th January: The Upcoming Events page of the King Racing web site at www.kingracing.com has been updated with an extensive calendar of UK, European and US Drag Bike race dates.

www.dragracing.de: Sonntag, den 28.01.01 (19:00 Uhr) findet unser zweites Chatmeeting statt. Themen sollen unter anderem die geplante Meisterschaft 2001 und die ersten Trainingstermine sein. Wir wrden uns freuen, Euch begren zu drfen.

The German Drag Racing Page at www.dragracing.de holds its next Chat session this Sunday (28th January) at 19:00 European time. Subjects to be discussed are the planned German National Championship, and test sessions at some tracks.

Single Danish date in 2001.
25th January: The National Drag Racing Club Denmark has announced a single race date in the 2001 schedule. The 2001 Danish Nationals, a Nordic Drag Racing Series round, is to be held at Vandel Dragway on 11th-12th August. "There is only one event this year due to financial circumstances", says Tommy Nilsson of NCDC.

The car classes at Vandel will be Competition, Super Comp, Super Gas, Super Street, Real Street and Junior Dragster. Bike classes have yet to be finalised.

You can stay in touch with all the latest drag racing news from Denmark on the NCDC web site at www.ndcd.dk.

Scandinavian SFI Inspection Day.
25th January: The Scandinavian SFI day is to be held in Stockholm on Sunday 11th February. Full details are available on the European Drag Racing Database web site at www.eurodrag.com.

Brentwood Show thanks.
25th January: One of the Brentwood Show organisers, Anne Sayell, has written with a message for the Show's drag racing contingent.

"Many thanks to all who brought their cars, bikes etc. to the Show", says Anne, "and thanks to Eurodragster for the excellent coverage. Super exhibits and your site does them justice. Well done and thanks for your help."

Thank you, Anne!

Web site updates.
25th January: The Swedish Pro Street News Magazine at www.swedishprostreetnews.com has been updated with news of a change of name for NPSC Super Mod - now called Top Doorslammer - plus all the latest information and gossip from the Scandinavian scene.

PDRC Dinner Dance.
24th January: The Pennine Drag Racing Club Dinner Dance and trophy presentation is to be held at the Novotel, Bradford on Saturday 24th February at 7:00 pm (for 7:30 pm). The Dinner Dance is preceded by the PDRC's Annual General Meeting at 2:00.

PDRC Secretary Cath Napier has revealed details of some of the prizes in the raffle at the Dinner Dance. "We have a GP flag signed by (amongst others) Jenson Button and Carl Fogarty, a Playstation, a Chrysler Viper GTS pen (given to the drivers at Le Mans), and lots of other stuff", she says.

You can find full details of the PDRC Dinner Dance, including a menu and ticketing information, on the York Dragway web site at www.yorkdragway.btinternet.co.uk.

Web site updates.
24th January: The official web site of the Firestorm Jet FC team has been updated with a few words on the team's heartbreaking weekend at Brentwood, plus several new pictures including a number whose photographer must now be in hospital with third-degree burns. The Firestorm web site can be found at www.firestorm-jfc.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk.

MZA-LUCKAU jetzt neu im Internet! www.mza-luckau.com.

UK Super Street team Top Banana have given their web site a makeover, added news including a report from Autosport, added a For Sale section and also, to quote webmaster Richard Bell, posted "a report from America with Trailer Drag Racing". There's only one way to find out - check out the Top Banana site at www.topbanana.home-page.org.

UK SFI Inspection Day.
22nd January: The UK's SFI Inspection Day for 2001 is on Monday 12th February (not Tuesday 13th) at MSA House in Colnbrook, Slough, commencing 2:30 pm. Please note that the date has changed from our earlier posting; SPRC's Paula Marshall was given the wrong date by one of the inspectors. At present, the time remains at 2:30 as originally notified, any change will of course be posted here.

The inspectors this year will be Arnie Kuhns, Murf McKinney, Tim Hyatt, and IHRA's Mike Baker who is an expert on Pro Stock and Pro Mod. For more details, or to notify your intention to attend, contact Paula Marshall on 01933 313625 or E-Mail paula@sprc.fsnet.co.uk.

Carter enlarges on 2001 plans.
22nd January: UK Top Fuel Dragster pilot Andy Carter has announced more details of his race plans for 2001. "Everything has been confirmed with Rune Fjeld Racing", says Sarah Carter. "Andy will be contesting all rounds of the 2001 FIA European Top Fuel Championship in the same car as he drove in 2000. The car is shortly going to the excellent people at Hauser Race Cars for updates, and to be repainted. All crew placings are confirmed, and in answer to all the E-Mails about the web site, it's coming shortly (which we can confirm - Ed)!"

Terry Gibbs of Super Series organisers Obsession Motorsports will be helping the team out. "It's great to have someone as professional and with as much knowledge of the sport as Terry helping out, we are all delighted", said Roger Neil of Carter Motorsports.

Andy has asked us to pass on his thanks to everyone who has E-Mailed and phoned since the announcement that he will be racing again in 2001.

NASCAR joins Wittstock headliners.
22nd January: Motorsports Against Racism Festival promoter Jörg Schwan has announced a deal to bring a NASCAR race car, as seen in the film Days of Thunder, to the event at Wittstock on 27th June-1st July. The NASCAR vehicle joins the Top Fuel Tour and Formula 1 cars on the Eco Raceway strip. "Fans will be able to drive the car on the quarter-mile themselves, or can be taken for a ride-along", says Jörg.

More details about the NASCAR ride are available at www.speed-fun.de, and more details on the Motorsports Against Racism Festival are available from the German Drag Racing Page at www.dragracing.de.

Bellinie starts on new SSB.
22nd January: UK Super Street Bike racer Pete Bellinie has made a start on his new Super Street Bike after selling his previous mid-eight second SSB to a team in Holland. "The bike is progressing slowly, very slowly!", says Pete. "I now have all the main ingredients to have the frame builder make a start, even an engine. I didn't know how hard a Hayabusa engine is to get hold of, a six hundred mile round trip to a place called Burscough eventually produced one. The Dave Shultz body kit arrived back from the USA in the Brian Johnson's container, thanks to BJ and Ian King. The frame is being built by Lee at Steelheart Engineering - it will be the prettiest frame out there and hopefully the quickest, although not this year. It would be nice, but it should still be very competitive. I've got lots of expensive electrics to play with as well!"

Lorentzon and Möller launch web site.
22nd January: Sweden's Lorentzon and Möller Top Fuel Team have launched a web site at www.tf25.com. The well-designed site is presented in both Swedish and English, and features pictures of Kenneth Lorentzon and Tommy Möller's new Top Fueller under construction at Peter Lantz's workshop, a race calendar, team run-down, anatomy of a Top Fuel Dragster, Photo Gallery, Links, Guestbook and more.

Report from Brentwood...
20th January: We've been at the Brentwood International Racing Car Show today checking out the drag racing contingent. Click here to read our illustrated report.

We took a large number of pictures at the Show; you can go directly to the page of photographs by clicking here.

...and thanks for the help.
20th January: We received a number of offers of help after yesterday's plea for the loan of a digital camera for use at Brentwood. Many, many thanks to Andy Marrs, Nick Davies and Phil Morgan for their offers, and especial thanks to Brian Fawcus whose digital camera we used today.

We are also indebted to Spencer Tramm who stepped in to help out with additional reporting.

Help Eurodragster at the Brentwood Show...
19th January: We're off to the Brentwood International Racing Car Show this weekend and we plan to post a couple of reports tomorrow. We have a problem, though - our ace lensman Sharkman is unwell and is unlikely to make the date. If there is anyone out there who is coming to Brentwood and would be willing to lend us a digital camera for the day, then please E-Mail webmaster@eurodragster.com with your details including a contact phone number. A floppy disk-equipped camera, or a flash card-equipped camera with a flashcard-floppy disk adaptor, would be ideal for the purpose. You will of course get full credit on Eurodragster, plus we will refund your entry to the Show.

...more on the Drag Racing contingent.
19th January: In our news item on Monday we said that we would bring you details of the Bike contingent. We've not had the official word but we understand that a couple of bikes from Team Cooperised, together with Super Street, Competition and 9.90 or 10.90 Bikes are lined up.

It has also been confirmed that Roger Goring's Saturday flame and thunder show in the Firestorm Jet FC will be at 7:00 pm, and we hear that Roger may put on two shows on Sunday.

The Brentwood Show is at the Brentwood Centre within a few minutes' drive of the M25 and the A12. For detailed directions you can view Eurodragster's printable Brentwood Show map by clicking here.

The Show is open from 2:00 pm - 10:00 pm on Saturday, and from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm on Sunday. Admission is £8.00 for adults, £3.50 for children, and a special family ticket is available for £20.00 which admits two adults and up to three children.

For more details check out the official Brentwood Show site at www.brentwoodshow.co.uk, call the organisers, Essex Promotions, on 01268 543330 or E-Mail essexpromotions@aol.com.

Web site updates.
19th January: Our good friends at Svensk Dragracing have updated their web site with news of Junior Dragster star Henka Thorén's move to Super Street, and an introduction to new Nordic Drag Racing Series co-ordinator Peo Eriksson. Check it out at www.dragracing.se.

RWYBs start next week.
18th January: Only yesterday we were talking about making the most of the off-season, and today we received a press release from Santa Pod Raceway regarding this year's Run What You Brung schedule, with the first RWYB set for Sunday week (28th January):

"If you've always dreamt of being a racer but have never got close then Santa Pod Raceway near Wellingborough may well have the answer. The track regularly opens its doors to the public for a series of Run What Ya Brung public test days and this year the racing calendar starts earlier than ever.

"You don't have to apply for a race licence, you don't have to stick on race numbers or tape over your lights, you don't even have to own a fast car or bike! Your mum's Fiesta or street bike would do the job fine and most of the drivers who come along will be racing in normal road cars and bikes. Some, however, may have slight modifications or even be professional racers in their drag cars and bikes but don't worry, you won't be pitched against a 300mph Top Fuel Dragster!

"The only thing you need to go drag racing at the famous Santa Pod Raceway is a valid UK driving licence, £8 for admission and a £10 signing-on fee. You'll be entitled to unlimited runs or as many as your nerves will allow! After each run you'll receive a personal performance print-out showing your reaction times to the start lights, quarter-mile and eighth-mile times, and eighth-mile and quarter-mile speed. If you really get hooked you could then apply for a competition licence and enter a street class at a proper race meeting because, don't forget, the RWYB days are how most of the professional racers get started.

"RWYB days will be held at Santa Pod Raceway on the following Sundays: January 28, February 11, February 25, March 11, March 25, April 8, April 29, May 20, June 17, June 24, July 15, August 5, August 19, September 2, September 9, September 30, October 14, October 28, November 4 and November 18

"The venue normally opens at 8.00am with track runs starting at 10.00am-5pm. NB: Don't forget your driving licence! Helmets required for RWYB bikes and open top cars.

"For further information call Santa Pod on 08700 782828."

Turbo offers shirt design...
18th January: Our good buddy, Top Gas racer, photographer, journalist and graphic designer Ian Turburville has added another service to the already impressive list available to fellow racers.

"www.Turboville.com are pleased to announce that, alongside our extensive range of polos, T's, jackets, caps, trousers etc., we can now offer superb quality, pro-team crew shirts in small numbers, to any design!

"All previous manufacturers wanted a minimum order of 30 shirts! These start at £30 each for six, or £28 each for 30 and over. Orders under six are just a little more, £33, but boy are they worth it! They are custom made for us in hard wearing, heavy-weight, poly cotton, any colours, piping, checks, appliques, etc. Embroidery is extra and can be quoted for on submission of artwork, origination costs are £8 per thousand stitches (average cost for a left chest design is around 40, then a couple of quid for each such embroidery) it is all worth it! The Turboville.com team received sponsorship out of all proportion to its performance soley due to the fact that they made the effort and investment in looking good. We now have the backing to go fast and win! It works! The press will love you, the promoters will love you and your potential sponsors will get a very positive image of you. Customers so far this month include Ian King and Barry Sheavills. There is not much time to the first meet so contact us now for a quote. We can send you all you need via e-mail or snail-mail! Remember these garments are custom made for you so they take a little time, don't wait!"

...and sells up.
18th January: We were also surprised to read that Turbo has put his immaculate Top Gas Bike up for sale together with an Electra Glide rolling chassis and his race transporter. "I really do not want to do this but unforseen circumstances mean I have to sell up, so if someone wants a bargain this is it", says Turbo. If you're in the market for a drag bike or a rig then you can find full details of Turbo's winter sale in the Bikes For Sale and Rigs, Trailers, Tools etc. For Sale sections of our Swap Meet.

Top Fuel Tour announces German opener.
16th January: The Swedish Top Fuel Tour has been extended to four rounds in 2001 with the addition of a new opening round at Eco Raceway at Wittstock in Germany.

The Top Fuellers of Tommy Möller, Monica Öberg, Micke Kågered and Pelle Lindelöw will be headlining the Motorsports Against Racism Festival on 29th June-1st July. Tommy Möller's team manager Peter Lantz writes:

"Tommy Mller made some exhibition runs at Wittstock last September, after which discussions started to have a round of the Top Fuel Tour in 2001, and it all fell into place in January. Wittstock is an all-concrete track which with the right preparation will provide great traction. The Raceway is also very convenient for Swedish racers: it is only 110 kilometres south of Rostock, where ferries arrive from Sweden, so hopefully this will encourage more Swedish racers to go to Germany.

"The Top Fuel Tour is not the only attraction at this race: it will be a large event with Formula One cars, tractor pulling, rock concerts, and the theme of the whole weekend is Motorsports against Racism. Visit the German Drag Racing Page at www.dragracing.de".

The amended 2001 Top Fuel Tour schedule is:

Wittstock, Germany: 29th June-1st July
Piteå: 13th-15th July
Tullinge, Stockholm: 3rd-5th August
Landskrona: 24th-26th August

The official web site of the Top Fuel Tour can be found at www.topfueltour.com, and you can find more details about the event via the German Drag Racing Page at www.dragracing.de.

Brentwood Show this weekend.
15th January: No sooner is Autosport International finished than the next motorsport show approaches. This weekend, 20th-21st January, sees the Brentwood International Racing Car Show, which again features a large drag racing contingent.

The Brentwood Show is headlined by Roger Goring's Firestorm Jet Funny Car, which is scheduled to put on a static flame and thunder display on both Saturday and Sunday. Saturday's show is scheduled to be held late in the afternoon under darkening skies! Also headlining at Brentwood are Paul Marston's new PT Bruiser, which was one of the scene stealers at Autosport this past weekend; Tony Betts' Jungle.com Fuel FC; John Ellis' Pro Mod; Jon and Sharon Hogarth's Super Comp 'Vette; Dave Ward's Rampage altered; Dave Grabham's Freddy's Revenge altered; Paul Marston's previous race car, the Grumpy's Dodge Super Gasser; Malcolm Motler's Morris pick-up; and one of the J and W Junior Dragster team. We understand that a number of bikes are lined up to attend although we haven't yet had details of these.

Joining Roger Goring in the outdoor exhibition area will be Frank Bennett, who will be firing up his blown-alcohol altered on a number of occasions. There are also plans for what is described as a "mini drag strip" where drag racers and participants from other forms of motorsport will compete for the best Reaction Times on a Christmas Tree.

As if all of this wasn't enough, there is to be a Cruise on Saturday evening. Cars will start to collect at 2:00 pm, with departure for Southend scheduled for 9:00 pm.

The Brentwood Show is at the Brentwood Centre within a few minutes' drive of the M25 and the A12. For detailed directions you can view Eurodragster's legendary, not to mention printable, Brentwood Show map by clicking here.

The Show is open from 2:00 pm - 10:00 pm on Saturday, and from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm on Sunday. Admission is £8.00 for adults, £3.50 for children, and a special family ticket is available for £20.00 which admits two adults and up to three children.

For more details check out the official Brentwood Show site at www.brentwoodshow.co.uk, call the organisers, Essex Promotions, on 01268 543330 or E-Mail essexpromotions@aol.com.

Web site updates.
15th January: We have a slew of web site updates today, as race teams and fans make the most of the off-season.

The web site of the Brentwood Show-headlining Firestorm Jet Funny Car has been updated with the latest news from the team, the first entries in this year's calendar of appearances, and a redesigned Photo Gallery. The Firestorm web site can be found at www.firestorm-jfc.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk.

The Showtime Fuel FC website, at www.showtimeracing.co.uk, has been updated with a very interesting analysis of last season's timing data, and some new links.

Showtime webmaster Chris has also been busy on his own site, updating Trakbyte's UK Drag Racing History with new information for 1984, 1989 and 1991, a new Picture Of The Week feature, and a plea for the re-transmission of some lost E-Mails. Check it out at members.aol.com/trakbyte.

Still on the nostalgia front, Jon Spoard's UK Drag Racing Nostalgia site at www.ukdrn.co.uk has had its historical picture galleries completely re-configured courtesy of Jon's buddy Nick Worsell. The new galleries look superb and are well worth a look in.

Brian Fawcus has updated his fan site at www.fawcus.net with a new streaming video facility. Brian is very keen to hear from fans about how they fare with the videos. "I've got masses of stuff on DV that can be used in streamed form, once I know what bit rates to target", he says.

Eurodragster staffer Tog has updated his personal web site Tog's Drag Racing Page with a number of US photographer Bob Frye's photographs from the 2000 NHRA Finals at Pomona Raceway. Bob's pictures from Pomona are a regular feature on TDRP and this latest batch is well up to Bob's usual standard - check out the picture of Bruce Sarver burning out, for example. Tog's Drag Racing Page can be found at www.togsdragracing.com.

Fellow Eurodragster staffer Sharkman has also been busy on his personal web site Sharkman's Top End Tales, with another video from the 2000 season, in this case Henri Joosten on a wild ride in his Pro Mod. Sharkman's site is at www.eurodragster.com/sharkman.

Report from Autosport International.
13th January: We finally made it to Autosport International, where we checked out the drag racing contingent including Paul Marston's eagerly-awaited PT Cruiser, Michael Malmgren's Camaro Pro Stock, Tony Betts' Fuel Funny Car, Chris Hope and Dave Beck's Pro Stock Bike and Ade Woollams' Comp Bike. We also managed to speak to a couple of racers to find out what they have planned for 2001. Click here to read our illustrated report.

We took a large number of pictures at the Show; you can go directly to the page of photographs by clicking here.

Where's the Autosport report?
12th January: Apologies for the non-appearance of the report from Autosport today. Eurodragster's reporter Tog had a health scare, but we're pleased to say that the old boy has been given the all-clear.

For once we are happy enough to be scooped, by our good buddy Zane Llewellyn who has posted an illustrated report from Autosport on his web site at www.bootsoop.freeserve.co.uk.

We have rescheduled our NEC visit for Saturday; if you see us there then be sure to say Hi.

Fan seeks US travel companions.
12th January: UK drag racing fan Rob Cook is planning a trip to the USA in April and due to a change in plans is seeking travel companions. Rob writes:

"I am currently planning a trip to the US to attend the IHRA race at Richmond, Virginia on 20th-22nd April and the NHRA event at Bristol, Tennessee the following weekend. I had planned to attend these meetings with a friend who is as into racing as I am, unfortunately he cannot make it. I am currently trying to find another one two or three people to travel with. The flight is a direct flight to Raleigh, North Carolina for £260, the other costs involved would car rental (to be split however many ways) and hotels and tickets plus some gas money.

If you know anyone who might be interested in coming along to see 6.40 Nitro Harleys, Unlimited Pro Stocks, huge fields of Pro Mods, tight Top fuel fields, and the Saturday Night of Fire at the IHRA's first Meeting at Richmond; NHRA's first full national event at Thunder Valley featuring big Funny Car and Top Fuel fields, Pro Mods in NHRA, big fields of Alcohol cars and Pro Stock; plus taking in a bit of Americana along the way, please E-Mail me at rp.cook@csl.gov.uk or call me on 01904 490466."

Drag Racing on History Channel.
12th January: Thanks to John Walker for letting us know that this Saturday, 13th January, the History Channel (available via satellite in the UK and Eire) is showing a programme at 10.00pm charting the history of the hot rod. "The program is titled Dream Machines and according to the promo, will also include some Drag Racing", says John.

Web site updates.
12th January: The FB Racing website has been updated. Diary of a Street Racer, Word on the Street (in CCSE section), and the FB Associates pages all now have new content. If you're building a tube framed car without a workshop full of specialised kit then you'll find the Diary entry of particular interest. Check it out at www.fbracing.co.uk.

Cruiser Bruiser to be unveiled at Autosport.
9th January: Regular readers will be familiar with the progress of the Cruiser Bruiser, Paul Marston's new ride. We are pleased to report that the reportedly Super Comp-bound race car has been completed in time to go on display at this weekend's Autosport International at the NEC, Birmingham. Paul writes:

"We are very proud to announce that our PT Cruiser is to be officially unveiled at the Autosport International Show this weekend. The Cruiser can be found in pride of place on the Cars and & Car Conversions stand. It is a real honour for Paul Marston Racing and Chrysler to be invited to such a prestigious show to debut my new racecar. It is a good day for us and a very good day for British Drag Racing: we are now producing latest-model race cars with which the public can easily identify, of a quality and standard comparable with the very best in the world. This has been recognised by CCC.

"CCC have a history of featuring a very wide range of cars, Drag Race machinery being one, and they were most enthusiastic when they heard about the Cruiser. Luckily the Cruiser is going to be finished just about in time. It has been a close-run thing, with a lot of people putting in many hours. We are hoping to have Geoff Hauser himself present at the unveiling. The guys at Hauser Racecars deserve a lot of credit for making sure the Cruiser made the party, it looks simply stunning and is a testament to the quality of race car they produce. Jon Webster from Hauser Racecars worked all through the Christmas-New Year week to keep the Cruiser on schedule. With the last parts consignment arriving from the States as recently as last Saturday, it really has been down to the wire to make the Autosport International.

"Special thanks must also go to Wilf Stacey and Jeff Meads at Mirror Finish for the absolutely flawless paintwork on the chassis and body of the Cruiser, and in such an unbelievably quick turn-round time. Last but be no means least I must especially thank Steve Brennan and Dave Kalisz at Paul Marston Racing for all the hours put into the construction of our new transporter, which we built in three weeks and was finished last night. We collect the Cruiser from Hauser Racecars today!

"I will be at the Show all day Thursday to meet and greet, and I hope to be there every day from Thursday to Sunday. If you are there on Thursday, the unveiling takes place at 9.30 am on the CCC stand, hope to see you there."

Drag Racing will also be represented by Michael Malmgren's six-second AC Delco-sponsored Pro Stock Camaro. Eurodragster will be attending the Show later this week and we will of course post a report with full details on the Drag Racing contingent.

Autosport International is open to the public this Saturday and Sunday, 13th-14 January (Thursday and Friday are Trade and Press days). Entry is £13.00, concessions £10.00, with free entry for under-fives. You can find more details, and book tickets, on the official Autosport International web site at www.autosport-international.com.

NPSC Vandel date provisional.
9th January: Swedish Pro Street News magazine webmaster Hasse has written to ask us to point out that the date at Vandel (Denmark), published in the NPSC calendar in Sunday's news update, is currently provisional. "I hope they have the Vandel race this year", says Hasse. "Last year's race was really nice and the club did a good job".

Junkyard Wars on UK TV tonight.
9th January: A short while ago, an edition of Scrapheap Challenge was broadcast in the UK which featured two teams building dragsters from junk and then racing them at Shakespeare County Raceway. Not long after this an edition was filmed, again at SCR, for broadcast in the USA where the programme is known as Junkyard Wars.

The US edition, aired in America a couple of weeks ago, is to be broadcast in the UK tonight, Tuesday, on Channel 4 from 6:00-7:00 pm. As Eurodragster wasn't ejected from trackside by the US TV crew (OK, so we weren't there but there is a principle involved here), we won't spoil it by revealing any of the programme's content.

Jade Racing end-of-season party.
9th January: It's that time again - Supertwin Gas racers Jerry and Sharron Collier are having Jade Racing's legendary annual end-of-season party this Saturday, 13th January. All are welcome. If you need any further details then E-Mail sharron@jaderacing.com.

Web site updates.
9th January: www.dragracing.de: Es ist soweit! Wir möchten Euch zum ersten Chatmeeting 2001 am Sonntag, den 14.01.2001 ab 19 Uhr einladen. Themen sollten unter anderem die Termine und die Saison 2001, wie auch die geplante Meisterschaft sein. Wir haben hierfr schon einen extra Bereich im Forum eingerichtet.

German Drag Racing Page webmaster Torsten Kath invites everyone to the next Chat Meeting on his web site at www.dragracing.de. This will be at 19:00 (European time) on Sunday, 14th January. The topics of discussion will be the 2001 season and the first German Championship.

One of our good friends from Germany, Klaus Sarembe has been in touch to let us know that as well as working on the Sarembe racing bikes and recently finishing building a German language website for the team he has now produced an English language version of the site as well. So those of you who, like me, studied German at School but now can't remember a word of it, head over to www.sarembe-racing.com to get the full story on the team.

Drag Torque webmaster Dave Nelson has written to ask for suggestions for improvements to his fan site, which you can find at www.dragtorque.co.uk. Comments should be sent to Dave at dave_nelson99@yahoo.com. Dave apologises for the lack of updates to the site recently; he has been concentrating on his University course work which is of course a good thing. Dave has also promised an update soon to the Fireforce Jet FC web site, which he also runs.

Canto rings changes.
7th January: Canto Consultancy TMD owner Martin Canto goes into 2001 with a new driver, freshened engine and solid long-term plans.

Trackside photographer Darryl Bradford jumps the barrier to take over the seat of the Canto dragster from Andy Frost. "Darryl's no odder than the rest of us, so he should fit in!", said Martin.

The Canto dragster ran a best in the 6.3s in 2000, which was right in line with Martin's plans to make gradual progress, learning as they go. "We did remarkably well last season", said Martin. "Pete Knight at Knight Racing Services did fantastic work on the engine. The car met all of my expectations and we have a good grounding for 2001. We're going forward nicely at the moment, we don't want to make any huge leaps and lose momentum."

The engine is being freshened in the off-season, a new clutch can has been acquired to meet the latest SFI specifications, and new, improved valve gear is to be installed. "We're also on a weight reduction programme", said Martin, "we're drilling holes in various places but not of course anywhere critical. We also plan to reduce the nose ballast a little bit at a time during the season."

A new forty-foot Artic has been acquired from Fuel FC owner Mark Hawkins, and the team are adding a new awning and working on the interior to tailer it to to their requirements.

The Canto dragster made the final round of Top Methanol at Super Series 4 at Shakespeare County Raceway in 2000, an achievement of which Martin is justifiably proud. At the time he had reasons for confidence. "When we raced Rob Turner in the final at Super Series 4, he had had bad tyre shake on his previous two runs and had only run in the mid-sixes which is way off his usual pace", said Martin. "If it had carried on like that we would have won, but the Turners stomped all over us. But there will be occasions when someone running consistent 6.0s will win, and with our new driver and engine changes we will be looking for 6.0s this season."

Martin sees consistent 6.0s as a sensible target for 2001. "We want to make measured progress", he said. "I really don't want to wreck it gloriously with a 5.9". When this target has been met, Martin's 2002 upgrade plans will kick in. "At that point in time we'll get a new chassis, and then when we have the combination worked out on the new chassis we will move to a PSI blower", he said.

Martin is confident of making good progress with the PSI due to the ready advice of his Top Methanol peers. "I'm grateful to Dave Wilson and the Turners", he said. "They have borne the brunt of learning how PSI blowers work, and they are very open with their knowledge - they don't go all precious on you. Thanks to them I expect to be able to move to the PSI without drama."

Martin is also working on sponsorship for 2001. "At the very least we hope to have several product sponsorships, and I am chasing a bigger deal. If someone came up with the money, I'd get the new chassis now!"

You can stay in touch with the latest news from the Canto Consultancy operation via the company's web site at www.canto.co.uk.

Nordic Pro Street Cup dates.
7th January: Thanks to Hasse, webmaster of the Swedish Pro Street News magazine, for sending us the 2001 Nordic Pro Street Cup dates. They are:
  • 2nd-4th June Feringe, Sweden
  • 9th-10th June Vandel, Denmark
  • 13th-15th July Piteå, Sweden
  • 20th-22nd July Mora, Sweden
  • 3rd-5th August Stockholm, Sweden
  • 24th-26th August Landskrona Sweden
The SPN web site at www.swedishprostreetnews.com has enjoyed a face-lift. Hasse tells us that he has changed the colour-scheme to make the text easier to read. The site also contains the latest Swedish drag racing gossip and new Windows wallpaper.

King seeks European transport...
7th January: UK Top Fuel Bike racer www.kingracing.com is looking for race teams with spare room in their trailers to assist with his push into Europe this season.

"We would very much like to compete in this years FIM/UEM Dragbike Championship with our Top Fuel Bike", says Ian. "All these rounds are run in conjunction with the FIA European Championship. Unfortunately, transportation costs for our bike are prohibitive at this stage. We are looking for any car teams that plan to compete in all of this years FIA European Championship rounds that have room in their transporter to take our bike with them in return for a financial (or other!) contribution. We would not, of course, require transport for the British rounds. We would be willing to tie up with any European based team, not just a British based one, and do not require any personnel transport, just our bike and some ancillaries.

"For any teams able to consider our request, please contact Ian King on +44 (0) 385 341099, or email ian@kingracing.com."

...and announces reps, ACU dates.
7th January: Ian King has also announced the names of bike-class representatives who will liaise between racers and APIRA and Super Series co-ordinators Obsession Motorsports on matters concerning the Super Series at Shakespeare County Raceway. They are:
  • Top Fuel Bike Ian King
  • Funny Bike Neil Diggens
  • Pro Stock Bike Chris Hope
  • Competition Bike Martin Peck
  • Super Street Bike Graham Dance
Ian has also released the provisional dates of the ACU UK Drag Bike Championships, which are as follow:
  • April 14th-16th Santa Pod Raceway
  • May 5th-7th Shakespeare County Raceway
  • May 19th-20th Shakespeare County Raceway (not Top Fuel Bike)
  • June 16th-17th Avon Park (not Top Fuel Bike)
  • June 30th-July 1st Santa Pod Raceway
  • August 25th-27th Shakespeare County Raceway
  • September 22nd-23rd Shakespeare County Raceway (not Top Fuel Bike)
  • October 6th-7th Santa Pod Raceway (not Top Fuel Bike)
You can find more details on the Pit Lane Gossip page of the King Racing web site at www.kingracing.com.

Web site updates.
7th January: The Top Fuel Team Switzerland web site at www.topfuel.ch has been re-designed and is now available in both German and English. The update contains the latest news from Peter Beck's operation including the planned schedule for this year which includes demonstrations in France, testing at the Easter Thunderball at Santa Pod Raceway, and plans for a full FIA tour.

Bob and Anni Valder's Feel the Noise web site at www.feel-the-noise.com with more pictures, new sections and a 'quick tour' taster. The site now contains more than four hundred of Anni's excellent spectator- and pit-side pictures. "Not bad considering we only went to our first drag race in July, after a twenty year year absence!", says Bob.

Guerain plans US move.
5th January: Dutch TMFC racer Rob Guerain has placed his entire operation up for sale in a change of emphasis in his race plans. Rob was seen out in the ex-Bucky Austin FC on a couple of occasions in 2000 but now plans new horizons.

"I want to buy a new car in the USA, and keep the car there", said Rob. "It's cheaper for us to do that - at the moment it is more expensive for me to take everything over to England than it is to go to America."

Rob's Funny Car and truck can be found for sale on our Swap Meet. "It is a very nice, fast car", said Rob. "Bucky drove it into the 5.6s on a lot of occasions in the USA."

All is not lost for Rob's European fans, however. "If we don't sell the Funny Car then we will run in Europe this year", he said.

Rico explains Hockenheim bike deal.
5th January: The Pit Lane Gossip page of the King Racing web site has been updated with Nitrolypics promoter Rico Anthes' explanation of the cancellation of this FIM/UEM round at Hockenheim. There is also a run-down of the Cannonball for Fuel bikes (including prize money and lists of invitees), and details of the other bike classes at this event including the European Super Street Bike Series, whose future was appearing uncertain. You can find the King Racing web site at www.kingracing.com.

Belgian race date announced.
5th January: Serge Van Ruyssevelt, Chairman of the Belgian Drag Race Federation, has written to let us know that the BDRF is organising a race at Koksijde, Belgium, on 8th-9th September. We will of course pass on details as we receive them, and you can contact Serge via E-Mail at bdrf@pi.be.

Last call for SPRC Dinner Dance.
5th January: Santa Pod Racers Club secretary Paula Marshall has asked us to remind racers and fans that the SPRC Dinner Dance and Trophy Presentation is fast approaching. The Dinner Dance is to be held at the Bedford Moat House on Saturday 3rd February, at 7:00 pm for 7:30 pm. The trophy presentation, hosted by Santa Pod track announcer Graham Beckwith, directly follows the dinner, and then there is a disco and the ever-popular raffle.

If you have not applied for tickets, or if you have applied for tickets but not yet sent your menu choices, then Paula has asked that you get these to her as soon as possible since she will have to confirm numbers and meal choices to the hotel before the night.

"I also need to hear from MSA and SPRC Championship winners and runners-up about their attendance", said Paula. "If they are not attending the Dinner Dance then they can nominate someone to collect the trophy on their behalf. The winners and runners-up involved are:

MSA British Top Methanol Championship W: Rob Turner, R/U Dave Wilson
Pro Modified W: Nick Davies, R/U: Hakan Nilsson
Super Comp W: Alex Nicol, R/U: Phil Bennett
Super Gas W: Peter Creswell, R/U: Brendan Clancy
Super Street W: Anne & Stuart Peck (Team Rat Rage), R/U: Bob & Stuart Doignie (Team Flying Doctor)
Super Pro ET W: Steve Green, R/U: Team Talbot Racing
Pro ET W: Simon Farmer, R/U: Chris Johnson
Sportsman ET W: Ian Turnbull, R/U: Neil L'Alouette
Junior Dragster W: Paul Lindley-Allen, R/U: Phillip Cook
Top Fuel Bike W: Steve Woollatt, R/U: Brian Johnson
Funny Bike W: Chris Hall, R/U: Neil Midgley
Pro Stock Bike W: Len Paget, R/U: Dave Beck
Comp Bike W: Tim Whetton, R/U: Helen Curran
Super Street Bike W: Graham Dance, R/U: Tony Clark
9.90 Bike W: Pete Cameron, R/U: Paul Ellingham
10.90 Bike W: Darren Winnard, R/U: Philip Pratt

"We also have the Perpetual trophies, which are picked by the marshals, so anyone could be a lucky winner!"

Tickets for the Dinner Dance are £25; application forms or further details are available from Paula at SPRC either by E-Mail at paula@sprc.fsnet.co.uk, by phone on 01933 313625, or by Fax on 01933 355558.

An important change from the usual arrangements is that anyone wishing to stay at the Moat House must make their own hotel bookings; the Club is not organising hotel rooms this year. The Moat House is offering a special Bed and Breakfast rate of £30 per person: to book your room at the hotel then call 01234 799988 and quote Santa Pod.

Another photo hunt.
5th January: 'Mopar Man' Hugh Potter is seeking photographs and has asked our help. "I'm trying to track down photographs of the crash which Smax Smith had in the old Mainline Menace", says Hugh. "I'm sure that the crash was not long before the Hot Rod Drags in 1998 - I remember helping Smax to set up at 3am at the race, and someone putting a pair of roller skates on the roof! If you've have any pictures, or know anyone who has, then please E-Mail me at moparmanuk@440cuda.supanet.com".

Web site updates.
5th January: The official web site of Roger Goring's Firestorm Jet Funny Car, which will be starring at the Brentwood International Racing Car Show later this month, has been updated with the latest news from the team and a link to Mark Fawcus' great video clips of the car in action. Check it out at www.firestorm-jfc.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk.

Our good friend Tommy Nilsson has been busy with his European Drag Racing Database at www.eurodrag.com. The Database contains the definitive calendar of European drag racing events in the 2001 season, plus news snippets and the unbeatable performance database.

Dan Bennett has updated the Super Comp 323 Online web site at www.supercomp323.co.uk with a new wallpaper file by UK1320's Gareth Evans, a new Guest Book, a Contact page, a new Site of the Month, and other minor changes. Dan is also on the look-out for pictures of the Bennetts' Super Comp dragster, if you have any pictures then you can E-Mail him at dan@dbennet54.fsnet.co.uk.

"Hi hier ist David von www.nitrofan.de und drive.to/nitrofan. Ich wollte euch nur ber ein paar Neuigkeiten auf meiner Webseite informieren. Auf der Startseite gibt es ein neues Intro das ich mit Flash 5 erstellt habe. Also dreht eure Boxen auf und geniet!!"

David Beitler has updated his fan site at www.nitrofan.de including a new start page, for which he recommends that you "turn on your speakers and enjoy!"

The Avon Park International Racers Association web site at www.eurodragster.com/apira has also been updated with an extensive European drag racing calendar for 2001, plus a number of exhibition dates in the UK. The APIRA site also contains a news page frequently updated by APIRA Press Officer Jerry Cookson.

Darren's big thanks.
3rd January: International Race Director Darren Prentice, who officates at Santa Pod Raceway, has asked us to pass on his thanks to everyone for their help in 2000.

"Let me start by wishing everybody a Happy New Year and a great race season in the year 2001", says Darren.

"After every event, I will normally call a marshals de-briefing meeting, so that I can thank them for their efforts or so that we can discuss what went right or what went wrong at that event . Now I would like to do it publically, but before I do just that I would like to explain some of the trials of being a marshal.

"You get to the track at about 7.30 am for 8.00, unless you're a scrutineer or a secretary when you get to the track for about 6.30 am, not forgetting that you have more than likely put in a good few hours the night before to lighten your load. The pit marshal that puts you in your pit space would have started at about 12:00 pm and have gone through to about 1.00 am and then reported for the start of the meeting at 8.00 am that same morning - all this and a wheel has not yet turned.

"Anywhere between 9.00 and 9.30 am, weather permitting, off we jolly well go for two or even three days of more mixed emotions than you can ever imagine, for example the feelings of joy when you stand between two Top Fuel cars as they launch from the start line to the sheer despair of cleaning up your sixth oildown of the day, or the fact you have just spent eight hours of your day driving up and down the same piece of tarmac trying to get it dry, and when you do you know that there are only a few hours of racing left - then it starts to spit with rain again. Or that sudden rush of blood that you get when someone tags the wall or starts ploughing up the fields due to a no-show by their chutes at the top end.

"If the Race Director is feeling really mean he keeps you out there to at least 9.00 pm just so that he can fit in a bit more qualifying, and then to top it all off he only wants you to scrape the start line out to aboutsixty feet in both lanes then spread down some gold dust and sweep and sled it in. This will take about one to two hours so now its 10.30-11.00 pmo'clock. And now you are asked that if it rains in the night can you get up and start clearing the puddles from the top end at about 7.00 am. So onto day two - now you wish that you had gone to work yesterday and not phoned in sick: due to the fact there is a Pod calendar on the notice board at work your bosses know where you are (and the hours would have been less).

"As you can see it's a full and varied day, so next time you see a marshal in the fire-up road, in the pits, or anywhere else, and it would seem that they are giving you a hard time trying to rush you down into the staging lanes or out of the pits or even up the track don't have a go at them - not only have you just had a pop but I am on the other end of the radio having a go at them telling them to rush you, so they really cant win.

"So to all of the marshals that have worked with me over the last season, it has been a pleasure and a honour to work with such a fine team and I look forward to working with you in 2001.

"There are four other teams I would like to thank. They are: Santa Pod Racers Club Committee for their help and support; everyone in the Santa Pod office, especially Kjell; Tog and Sharkman aka Eurodragster; and to Graham and Caroline Beckwith.

"I have found a special friendship with all these people and it makes a hard and difficult job well worth doing. I raise my glass and salute you all."

We're sure that everyone will want to join us in thanking Darren for his quite outstanding efforts in 2000, and in looking forward to working with him again in 2001.

FB Racing adds sponsors.
3rd January: UK Custom Car Street Eliminator team FB Racing have announced their sponsorship line-up for the 2001 season. "Once again the major sponsors are A & E Fire Equipment of Cheltenham", says Ian Hook. "They are joined by The Everest Balti Restaurant and Widdows Motors, also of Cheltenham. The Fat Boys are particularly pleased that they will also be carrying the name of Shakespeare County Raceway, Ian's 'home' track and the birthplace of his addiction to the delights of quarter miling! Hugh Potter of Potters Performance Parts will again be displaying his company name on the FB Racing '34 throughout the coming season. Finally, the team would like to send a big thank you to all those who have become FB Associates and would like to say that there is still some space free on the boot-lid. So if you'd like to join our 'supporters club' check it out at www.fbracing.btinternet.co.uk/fb_racing_associates.htm.

"All of the aforementioned have helped in putting together our new power plant and transmission for 2001. Without their support we'd still be pussyfooting about with low rpm launches and a single NO2 system. The new bigger and stronger mill and uprated Glide should allow us to really mix it next year! Happy New Year to you all."

Paging Trevor Young.
3rd January: A few weeks ago we were after Peter Crane, and this week we have had a request from a racer who would like to track down 1970s UK Top Fuel star Trevor Young, who drove an ex-Clive Skilton rail before running the beautiful Competition Products dragster and then taking a brief turn in Dave Prior's Warlock Fuel Funny Car. If anyone out there has contact details for Trevor Young then please let us know at webmaster@eurodragster.com.

Web site updates.
3rd January: UK Top Methanol Dragster racer Lyndsay Deuchar has updated his LA Times web site with a new look, plus news of his "new old block" (you'll have to read it) and highly entertaining accounts of trips to Sweden and the Lakes Meet at El Mirage. Check it out at www.laracing.co.uk.

The official web site of the European Top Methanol Racers Association at www.etmra.com has been updated with a new Rules & Regulations section containing the NHRA supercharger rule and a link to the FIA Drag Racing regulations. "Please note that these have not yet been updated from 2000 so keep checking. I will try to get them to update them as soon as possible" says webmaster Dave Alexander.

Goodbye and thanks to...
1st January: The end of 2000 saw the end of our current sponsorship deals. Our deepest gratitude for their support to our outgoing sponsors (in the order in which they joined us):

Speedflow (Home and News pages): Fay and Paul Fischer saw the potential popularity of this web site long before we did, and came in on the ground floor with a sponsorship deal in Eurodragster's infancy. The link with Eurodragster has made the internet Speedflow's second-biggest source of business for their high-performance hoses and fittings, and we are very pleased to have paid back Fay and Paul's faith and foresight in this manner. To keep that business going, visit Speedflow's web site at www.speedflow.co.uk.

Hauser Race Cars (Swap Meet): Geof Hauser approached us not long after the introduction of the Swap Meet with a sponsorship offer. The name Hauser Race Cars is synonymous with professionalism, high-quality work and attention to detail, so we were very proud to be associated with Geof. If you need a race car built, parts for your existing vehicle, or any one of a number of other services then check out the Hauser Race Cars web site at www.hauserracing.com.

E-Manumit.com and High Performance Heaven (Raceday Updates): Stephen Talbot and Eric Tomlinson of E-Manumit.com saw our Raceday Updates as an ideal point of exposure for their newly-launched performance database High Performance Heaven, and their thriving e-business service company E-Manumit.com. With each day of the 2000-season updates clocking up several thousand visits we think that Stephen and Eric made a good call! Stephen also arranged for the loan of an additional laptop at all UK races this season which made our job a lot easier. For all of your e-business needs check out the E-Manumit.com web site at www.e-manumit.com and for a one-stop Performance Database check out High Performance Heaven at www.hpheaven.com.

Sponsorship slots available.
1st January: As you can see from the banners, Eurodragster is now running unsponsored. We have the funds to keep going awhile yet but we would be very pleased to hear from any company or individual who would like to help defray the cost of running the site. Eurodragster's budget covers domain name registration, monthly fees to our ISP, contributions to staff phone bills, decals, attire and other such expenses. We have a number of one-year deals available for the following at very reasonable rates:

Home and News pages
Raceday Updates
Swap Meet
Links pages

If you would be interested in sponsoring one of Europe's premier drag racing web sites then please E-Mail us at administrator@eurodragster.com and we'll let you know how you can get your name in front of thousands of people every day.

UK Fuel Altered pictures.
1st January: The US-based web site Awful Awful Fuel Altereds has just posted an 'International' page featuring some great historical pictures of UK Fuel Altereds mixed in with cars from Australia. If you remember T-Rat, Shutdown, Sneaky T and others then this page is a must-see. If you don't remember T-Rat, Shutdown, Sneaky T and others then this page is a must-see, to find out what you missed! Check it out at www.mysterion.net/AAFA/international.html.


Earlier news


All news, photographic and other material submitted to Eurodragster.com is accepted and published in good faith. Although we make every effort to ascertain the accuracy of published material, Eurodragster.com and its staff are not responsible for any errors in submitted news and photographs. Inaccuracies or other issues in published news items or photographs should be taken up with the named contributors, or with the Eurodragster.com staff only if the item is not credited to any individual.

Eurodragster.com aims to bring you links to all the best European Drag Racing web sites. To add your site to Eurodragster's listings, simply email links@eurodragster.com with your URL and a little information about your site and we'll do the rest. When you update your site, drop us a line at news@eurodragster.com and we'll feature your site in our "What's New" section.

Eurodragster.com is a non-profit-making organisation run by a small group of Drag Racing enthusiasts for the sole purpose of promoting European Drag Racing. If you can help us to meet the modest cost of hosting this web site by advertising here, please email webmaster@eurodragster.com. We're sure you'll find our rates extremely competitive.